Our Parent Forums provide a variety of guest speakers, as well as some of our own staff, to offer information and practical tools, equipping parents for the challenges of parenting teenagers through their high school years.
When and Where?
We convene every few weeks in Anderson Lecture Hall. Sandwiches are available beginning at 11:30, and the presentations begin at 11:45. No RSVP necessary!
Parking This Year
With ongoing campus construction projects, please be patient with us! We recommend allowing a little extra time to park and arriving via the Bissonnet entrance.
Available Recordings
Video recordings of Parent Forums are posted in the Parent Portal, available for parents who missed them or who want to go back and listen again.
August 28
Parenting 101: Launching Your Child into the New School Year
Thomson Ivins, LPC, EHS Choices Education Specialist
New year: fresh start1 Join us to learn about topics like goal-setting, healthy habits, communication, and boundaries. Help your child get started on the right foot 1
September 11
Parent Awareness: Trending Substance Use
Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S, Prevention Researcher
Learn about the effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other trending substances on the teenage brain and find out about the trends the experts are seeing.
September 25
Helping Teens Address Anxiety & Depression
Alton Bozeman, PsyD, The Menninger Clinic
In 2021, the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 42% of high school students had felt so sad and hopeless daily, over a two-week period, that it impacted ability to engage in usual activities. 22% seriously considered attempting suicide. Anxiety and depression have become a major public health concern. Come and learn how you can help your child.
October 23
Parent Awareness: Internet Safety & Use
Thomson Ivins, LPC, EHS Choices Education Specialist
Students are online constantly for homework, social connection, gaming, or even accessing gambling or pornography. Come and learn about helping your child use the internet wisely and safely.
November 13
Helping Your Child Navigate the Holidays
Angela Koreth, LPC-S, The Menninger Clinic
The holidays celebrate wonderful things yet can also be stressful and even sad reminders of absent or lost loved ones. This Forum will look at practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and service to others as antidotes to the stress.
January 22
Perfectionism
Thomson Ivins, LPC, EHS Choices Education Specialist:
Taking a look at the desire to do well versus the desire to be perfect, Ivins will walk parents through the long-term impacts of perfectionist thinking and provide strategies to help promote optimalism.
February 26
Dating, Relationships, & Spring Break Madness
Kelly Chappuis, LPC, Houston Feel Good Therapy
Friendships and romantic relationships present stressors for teens, as they learn to navigate them. While valuable as a time of recreation, spring break parties and group trips can put teens and their navigation of relationships at risk. Learn how to talk to your children about healthy relationships and respect.
March 26
Parent Awareness: Body Image and Dysmorphia
Kathleen Hotze, LPC, Hotze Health Collective
A variety of factors from physiological changes to peer relationships to social media affect a teen's body image, and a negative body image can result in eating disorders or dysfunctional exercise. learn how to help your child develop and maintain a healthy body image.
April 30
Self-care for Finals
Thomson Ivins, LPC, EHS Choices Education Specialist
At the end of a school year, students are tired and eager for summer. Finding the energy to power through final exams and papers can be difficult. Learn strategies for helping your child cross the finish line while maintaining good physical, emotional, and mental health.
EHS Parent Forums are coordinated by the EHS Choices Education Specialist, in collaboration with the Dean of Religion and Dean of Parents.
